The 6 Key Pieces of Advice from Meghan Markle's Create & Cultivate Keynote
Treat yourself like you treat your BFF. And more gems.
It's been said that a woman who knows exactly what she wants is one of the most powerful creatures in the world. When Suits actress and The Tig founder Meghan Markle took to the Create & Cultivate stage on at our #createcultivateATL conference she gave attendees a glimpse at what that looks like.
Charming, intelligent, and unafraid to let her guard down, Meghan is the definition of the modern woman. In celebration of her big day, we're reliving our favorite moments and best pieces of advice the actress, editor, and activist shared with #CreateCultivateATL attendees.
1. "DON'T GIVE IT FIVE MINUTES IF YOU'RE NOT GONNA GIVE IT FIVE YEARS."
Passion was a hot topic at the conference all day. Meghan echoed this sentiment by telling the crowd that if they couldn't see themselves dedicating five years of their life to their endeavors, what was the point in even giving it five minutes?
"Five years sounds like a long time," she said, "but it's really not."
Time is precious. Focus your efforts on your passions and success is sure to come. "That's when you see your long-term goals payoff," she added.
photo credit: David Rosario.
2. "BLIND OUTREACH IS JUST LIKE AUDITIONING, IT'S A NUMBERS GAME."
Meghan started developing The Tig after receiving advice from The Coveteur co-founder Jake Rosenberg, to do a site herself. A company had approached her to essentially create MeganMarkle.com, but after giving herself a gut check she knew it didn't feel right. She wanted her site to be less about fashion and include more "think pieces and op-eds about empowerment."
But just because she's on a show, the actress said she still had to blind email people. "No one knew what The Tig was at the beginning," she said, "but I kept putting out outreach. At the time some people loved Suits and some people hadn't a clue what it was. It seems like I had more of an in, but it wasn't the case."
She told the audience about cold emailing Heidi Klum's assistant for an interview request. "I don't know Heidi Klum," Megan said, "but she said yes."
"We all do cold outreach."
photo credit: David Rosario
3. "STOCK EMAILS WITH TYPOS? FORGET IT."
Meghan is all about a personal touch, explaining that she still sends out handwritten thank you notes. "I can't tell you how few of them I get," she said, "but one hundred percent of the time, I end up remembering that person."
And even though she acknowledges typos happen, she says it's vital to make sure you're proofreading. It shows the recipient that you're paying attention and that you value their time.
4. "YOU DON'T HAVE TO PLAY DRESS UP TO BE A FEMINIST. YOU ARE A FEMINIST EXACTLY THE WAY YOU ARE."
After an audience member asked Meghan how she balances being a feminist with being feminine, Meghan answered that there is no difference. "They are not mutually exclusive," she shared. "You can be a woman who wants to look good and still stand up for the equality of women."
"You can be a woman who wants to look good and still stand up for the equality of women."
Tweet this.
You're allowed to be a feminist in whatever way that looks like to you.
5. "DON'T TRY TO WIN THE PART, JUST WIN THE ROOM."
Meghan shared that as a biracial actress she has heard 'no,' an endless number of times. "Because," she said, "I was going in for the ambiguous girl, the black girl, the white girl, even the sassy Latina girl-- even though I'm not Latina and I'm not even that sassy."
"It's very hard to not question something about yourself in those moments," she said of the endless parade of nos. "But at the end of the day it does not matter if you get that part or you get that dream job. It may see like it at the time, but if you make fans of the people who saw you in that room, that carries on so much longer than what that job might have become."
6. "IT'S ALL STILL EXCITING. BE GRATEFUL FOR THE LITTLE THINGS. THAT'S HOW YOU ENJOY IT."
Meghan told the audience that for five months she climbed into the back of her trunk after auditions because she couldn't afford to get the broken locks on her car fixed. "This epic day happened where the locks stopped opening with the key," she shared. "And the clicker wouldn't open the front doors. I couldn't afford to fix the doors and this was my girl, this is how I got from one audition to the other." So she would drive to auditions, park in the back of the lot, and once they were over, she'd wait until no one was paying attention and climb back into her car through the trunk.
Never in her dreams did Meghan think she'd be on a show that has run for six seasons, but in sharing real and humbling moments she's able to enjoy and stay grateful for the journey.
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Ask: Jaclyn Johnson, Create + Cultivate founder
Jaclyn Johnsons' tips for hiring potential staff.
We put out a call on Instagram to find out what you wanted to ask Create + Cultivate founder Jaclyn Johnson about starting and running a business. We got tons of amazing questions, and here Jaclyn is addressing one from South African jewelry designer A Ring To It: "Any tips when interviewing or hiring potential staff members and what has been your approach to managing a team that executes your creative vision?"
• Get referrals
When it comes to hiring, I start with friend referrals and fans of the brand before I look anywhere else. Send an email to everyone you know in your industry and ask if they know of anyone; and also put out a call on social media. If someone is already familiar with your brand, it will likely be easier for them to jump in and get up to speed. (If you're the one who wants the job, email and email—and follow up—to show that you want it.) Also, intern! Three of our current employees are former interns :).
• Do a trial run
Once you do find someone, start them out with a test period. I think three months is always good for new employees—that way, you can find out if they're the right fit. It's always good to have an open dialogue about how they're feeling and performing in the job. Not everyone is right for every job, so if something doesn't work out, it's not necessarily because they or you failed.
• Know what characteristics are important to you
I tend to look for and hire self-starters. Our business is always changing and I need people who can think on their feet. With new employees, I like to give them a few projects and situations that they can own and run with so that I can see how they think and how comfortable they are with autonomy. Also, be brutally honest—I never pretend to have the fluffiest work environment—it’s hard work! Also understanding your employees' goals are key! Where do they see their career going? What is their dream? That way you can map back to that at all times.
Our business is always changing and I need people who can think on their feet.
Tweet this.
• Expect that there will be a learning curve
As a business owner, you sometimes have to remind yourself that people aren't mind readers. In most cases, it's going to take at least six months for people to understand how you think and work, and how you expect them to perform. Also, assign mentors—as a business owner you might be too slammed to be on top of everything, but having senior employees mentor junior employees has been a super helpful program for us!
Entrepreneurs, do you have any hiring and management tips? If so, share them in the comments below.
New Royalty, Meghan Markle, Shares 6 Pieces of Advice
A real princess knows best.
photo credit: David Rosario.
Take some advice from a real (almost) duchess ladies.
It's been said that a woman who knows exactly what she wants is one of the most powerful creatures in the world. And when the newly engaged (to ahem Prince Harry) Suits actress Meghan Markle took to the Create & Cultivate stage she gave attendees a glimpse at what that looks like.
Charming, intelligent, and not afraid to let her guard down, Meghan is the definition of the modern woman and soon to be princess! Here are our favorite moments and six best pieces of advice the princess, actress, editor, and activist shared with #CreateCultivateATL attendees. Watch the full video here.
1. "DON'T GIVE IT FIVE MINUTES IF YOU'RE NOT GONNA GIVE IT FIVE YEARS."
Passion was a hot topic at the conference all day. Meghan echoed this sentiment by telling the crowd that if they couldn't see themselves dedicating five years of their life to their endeavors, what was the point in even giving it five minutes?
"Five years sounds like a long time," she said, "but it's really not."
Time is precious. Focus your efforts on your passions and success is sure to come. "That's when you see your long-term goals payoff," she added.
2. "BLIND OUTREACH IS JUST LIKE AUDITIONING, IT'S A NUMBERS GAME."
Meghan started developing The Tig after receiving advice from The Coveteur co-founder Jake Rosenberg, to do a site herself. A company had approached her to essentially create MeganMarkle.com, but after giving herself a gut check she knew it didn't feel right. She wanted her site to be less about fashion and include more "think pieces and op-eds about empowerment."
But just because she's on a show, the actress said she still had to blind email people. "No one knew what The Tig was at the beginning," she said, "but I kept putting out outreach. At the time some people loved Suits and some people hadn't a clue what it was. It seems like I had more of an in, but it wasn't the case."
She told the audience about cold emailing Heidi Klum's assistant for an interview request. "I don't know Heidi Klum," Megan said, "but she said yes."
"We all do cold outreach."
photo credit: David Rosario
3. "STOCK EMAILS WITH TYPOS? FORGET IT."
Meghan is all about a personal touch, explaining that she still sends out handwritten thank you notes. "I can't tell you how few of them I get," she said, "but one hundred percent of the time, I end up remembering that person."
And even though she acknowledges typos happen, she says it's vital to make sure you're proofreading. It shows the recipient that you're paying attention and that you value their time.
4. "YOU DON'T HAVE TO PLAY DRESS UP TO BE A FEMINIST. YOU ARE A FEMINIST EXACTLY THE WAY YOU ARE."
After an audience member asked Meghan how she balances being a feminist with being feminine, Meghan answered that there is no difference. "They are not mutually exclusive," she shared. "You can be a woman who wants to look good and still stand up for the equality of women."
"You can be a woman who wants to look good and still stand up for the equality of women."
Tweet this.
You're allowed to be a feminist in whatever way that looks like to you.
5. "DON'T TRY TO WIN THE PART, JUST WIN THE ROOM."
Meghan shared that as a biracial actress she has heard 'no,' an endless number of times. "Because," she said, "I was going in for the ambiguous girl, the black girl, the white girl, even the sassy Latina girl-- even though I'm not Latina and I'm not even that sassy."
"It's very hard to not question something about yourself in those moments," she said of the endless parade of nos. "But at the end of the day it does not matter if you get that part or you get that dream job. It may see like it at the time, but if you make fans of the people who saw you in that room, that carries on so much longer than what that job might have become."
6. "IT'S ALL STILL EXCITING. BE GRATEFUL FOR THE LITTLE THINGS. THAT'S HOW YOU ENJOY IT."
Meghan told the audience that for five months she climbed into the back of her trunk after auditions because she couldn't afford to get the broken locks on her car fixed. "This epic day happened where the locks stopped opening with the key," she shared. "And the clicker wouldn't open the front doors. I couldn't afford to fix the doors and this was my girl, this is how I got from one audition to the other." So she would drive to auditions, park in the back of the lot, and once they were over, she'd wait until no one was paying attention and climb back into her car through the trunk.
Never in her dreams did Meghan think she'd be on a show that has run for six seasons, but in sharing real and humbling moments she's able to enjoy and stay grateful for the journey.
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Press Play: Create & Cultivate DTLA "What Have You Created & Cultivated?" P1
We asked speakers at Create & Cultivate DTLA to tell us one thing they created and one thing they cultivate. Hear from Oh Joy! Taylor Sterling of the Glitter Guide, Bri Emery of Design Love Fest & more.
#FAQ: Should I Buy a VIP or GA Create & Cultivate Ticket?
But buy one, 'cause we're selling out!
As we get closer to May 7th and our biggest Create & Cultivate yet, we'll be answering a few of your most frequently asked questions about C&C. From where to stay, what to wear, and what to bring, we want to make sure you get the most out of the conference. That starts with a ticket.
We offer both GA ($300) and VIP ($500) tickets. Both give you access to a full day of ground-breaking panels, the opportunity to network with peer creatives and entrepreneurs, mentor breakaway sessions, and delicious meals and sweet treats. A VIP ticket simply sweetens the deal a bit with some Very Important Perks.
Below is a breakdown of all of the Create & Cultivate DTLA ticket offerings. Items in bold are only available for VIP ticket holders.
#CreateCultivateDTLA VIP Perks:
Choose your Track of your liking: Get the panels & hear the speakers you want most!*
Guaranteed first selection of your (2) Mentors for the Mentor Power Hour*
VIP Gift Bag: Valued at $350, filled with the latest products and gift cards
Mix & mingle with fellows in VIP Roottop Garden*
Receive your ticket ahead of time in the mail*
Dedicated VIP check-in line at registration*
Complimentary event VIP parking*
Plus, everything included with a General Admission ticket.
#CreateCultivateDTLA General Admission
Access to our Attendee Happy Hour (May 6th, location TBD)
Admission to Create & Cultivate DTLA Conference on May 7th: A full day of workshops & panels with industry execs, bloggers, thought leaders, & creatives.
Create & Cultivate Starter Kit to get you prepped for the day (pens, notepads, & more)
2 Mentors Sessions in an intimate setting with a C&C Mentor (to be assigned)
Pop-up Shops: Shop on-site for exclusive deals from our partners & friends
Breakfast, Lunch by SWEETGREEN, and Afternoon Sweet Treats & Happy Hour Cocktails + Bites!
Photo Booth Access Fun: Snap shots with friends & fellow attendees
All Day Glam Bar: Hair, nail & beauty treatments in between panels & at breaks
A Gift Bag: Valued at $200, filled with the latest products & gift cards
Unlimited coffee, fresh pressed juices, & healthy snacks all day
Happy Hour to socialize & engage with fellow attendees
*indicates VIP-only Perk
We're constantly adding and updating what you'll experience at Create & Cultivate DTLA, so sign-up for our newsletter or check back for updates!
So which will it be? Tickets are selling out fast, so get your GA or VIP ticket at createcultivate.com and tweet us or use our hashtag #CreateCultivateDTLA to let us know you're coming!
Guess Where We're Headed Next? Create & Cultivate Los Angeles
Just hold on until May 7th, because we're coming home.
Create & Cultivate is getting back to its roots with our biggest dream conference we've held to date. We're so excited to host our 10th (#doubledigis) conference at the Hudson Lofts in Downtown Los Angeles. Think: floor to ceiling windows and women who have shattered glass ceilings.
Hold on to your Moon Juice LA, this is gonna be GRAND.
Reliving Our Favorite #LadyBoss Moments at Create & Cultivate Dallas
If you have C & C FOMO, we've got you covered. Watch this now.
#CreateCultivateDallas was only two weeks ago, but we're already looking back at some of the amazing moments and people we met on-site. To get you buzzing for our next city announcement on Monday, here's a little taste of what went down in Dallas!
Don’t fret if you missed out. We've got so much more in store for our next city! Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know Monday AM where we're headed to next!
Create & Cultivate Asks: What's Your 2016 Business Resolution?
More cupcakes, and what else?
From Julia Engel to Annie Lawless, we asked some of favorite speakers from our latest Create & Cultivate what they're gonna do bigger, better, and more boss in 2016.
An Inside Peek at the Fossil x C & C Speaker Dinner
From an ombré tablescape to a killer group selfie, the night before the conference was fire.
To kick of Create & Cultivate Dallas, Fossil hosted an amazing Speaker Dinner at the W Hotel. Everyone from SoulCycle founders Julie Rice and Elizabeth Cutler to Who What Wear's Hillary Kerr showed up ready to mingle and oogle and ahhh the most gorgeous ombre table they'd ever seen. Before sitting, guests were given the option to emboss their Harper Crossbody bag-- something that Katherine Schwarzenegger jumped right on, and everyone went home with Fossil's fashionable activity tracker, Q Dreamer.
Click through to see our favorite moments from the dinner, the tablescape, and a fashion blogger selfie moment for the books.
5 Pieces of Must-Know Advice from C & C Dallas
Yesterday at Create & Cultivate these ladies (and one gent) dropped some serious knowledge.
Snapchat has DJ Khaled and his major keys, but yesterday Dallas had all the keys to creative, entrepreneurial boss success when Create and Cultivate hit Lofty Spaces. The energy was electric. Attendees were on fire with their outfits and questions for panelists. And the speakers, let’s say they knocked the yee out of the haw.
Here are five MAJOR KEY takeaways from yesterday’s Create & Cultivate Dallas.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MISSION
We heard this reiterated a couple of different ways yesterday, but there's not doubt that buzzword of the day was MISSION. Everyone from the Soul Cycle co-founders to Stephanie Mark of The Coveteur made it clear: the goal SHOULD NEVER BE FOLLOWERS OR MONEY. You start with an idea you believe in and make that carry your business and fuel those late nights.
"Trying to get 500k on Instagram is not a goal or a business plan."
Tweet this.
Soul Cycle co-founders Julie Rice and Elizabeth Cutler told the crowd that their mission has always been simple: "to put joy and empowerment into their business."
Sakara Life co-founder Danielle DuBoise encouraged the audience to make sure that their work “is a mission driven business, because it will change your trajectory.” Adding, “When times get tough, you can make it so it’s not about you. Stay true to your mission because that is what will carry you through.”
WHEN PUSH COMES TO SHOVE, JUST WORK B.
What we see on stage is pretty and inspiring, but is also the result of late, wee-morning work hours, tears of exhaustion, missteps, hustling two jobs to fuel to the passion project, and even moving back in with mom and dad.
At the end of day what everyone on these stages has is a propensity to work, work, work— something they reiterated to attendees time and again.
From Annie Lawless telling the crowd: “Any entrepreneur will tell you, you are always working, but for you it’s not a job, it’s a dream.”
To Emily Schuman explaining to a captivated audience: “Have patience. I’m sitting up here talking about all of these things I’ve done, but it’s taken a really long time. Have determination and patience and believe in yourself.”
On her early days of self-taught Photoshop Katherine Power told the crowd: “You just have to get it done.”
Kendi from Kendi Everyday said something rather similar: “You just have to decide to do it. And then do it.”
IT’S QUALITY AND QUANTITY
There is something to be said that “done is better than perfect”— which, is an adage we heard a couple of times from the stages yesterday. But when the world is watching you need to be on your A-game. Matt Crump of #candyminimal fame explained to the crowd the importance of delivering on both quality and quantity if you want to grow your following.
“I was working two jobs,” he said, “and moved back in with my parents. But I would make sure that what I was putting out was thoughtful and consistent. If it’s your passion, you make it great, and you make it work.”
Tina Craig of Bag Snob also made clear that in addition you need to know all sides of what you’re doing.“If you want to get in the business,” she said, “get in the back end of the business. Not just the fun. Not just the selfies.”
In the age of social platforms you have to consistently pump out content, but it needs to be solid.
A BAD RELATIONSHIP CAN RUIN YOUR WORK SPIRIT
We heard this sentiment repeated three times and we think it’s worth repeating here.
First, Whitney Wolfe CEO and Founder of dating-app Bumble asked the crowd to consider what a bad relationship has the ability to do. “If you’re in a bad relationship,” she said, “it can destroy your life.”
On a lighter (but also totally serious note), Soul Cycle CEO Elizabeth Cutler told everyone, “No deadbeat boyfriends for anyone who works for us.”
This also applies to work relationships. Hillary Kerr and Katherine Power are coming up on their ten year workaverssary and told attendees, “WE obviously have a friendship but it’s business first and foremost. You have to be respectful.”
THERE’S NEVER THE RIGHT TIME
Waiting for the perfect day to come along to take a risk? Not gonna happen.
When Danielle DuBoise and Whitney Tingle (who just made Forbes 30 Under 30) started Sakara Life they had a combined 700 dollars. Annie Lawless (also on Forbes' coveted list), who dropped out of law school and started delivering juice around San Diego in her 2-door coup, had less than that. If you’re waiting for lightning to strike, the stars to align, or enough money in the bank, there’s a good chance you’re going to miss your shot. There is someone right now taking that risk.
Tze Chun of Uprise Art told the crowd: “When you’re starting a company just saying it’s real, makes it real.”
Whitney Wolfe said, “There are so many days when it’s terrible. But if there is one good relationship taking place out there, it’s all worth it.”
And Soul Cycle boss Julie Rice put it clear as day: “Whatever you’re doing now, I actually only think there is one skill you need, and that’s making shit happen.”
Get ready for our announcement on Feb 15th about the next Create & Cultivate. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear where we are heading next!!
8 Insider Moments at Create & Cultivate Dallas Speaker Dinner
Shhh. We're giving you the inside scoop.
Create & Cultivate Dallas is officially here. We can't believe it either. And while attendees were busy mixing and mingling at Common Desk Happy Hour, Fossil hosted a ombre tabled Speaker Dinner at the W, where drinks were had, old friends mingled, new friends met, and a snapchat maven gave a few rookies a schooling in the app. Here are a few of our favorite moments from the night's festivities.
1. To start the night, self-professed elevator- phobic Julie Rice of Soul Cycle fame, kicked off her heels and hiked 33 flights up to dinner. Which, is badass and equals buns of steel no matter how you spin it. (S. Cycle puns, you get it.)
2. Create & Cultivate Founder Jaclyn Johnson giving everyone a warm welcome to Dallas. "This is our biggest event yet, and this room couldn't be filled with more talent," she told the room. Creative truth bomb.
3. Katie Rodgers of Paper Fashion busting out the Sharpie and drawing at dinner for Claudia Naim Burt of The Boss Aesthetic. Because you can't have a blogger event without at least one sharp-doodling blogger. Check out her illustration here.
4. Tina Craig of Bag Snob and Hillary Kerr of Clique Media giggling by the bar and lighting their Snapchat story on their own. Because who needs a lighting crew?
5. Betches Aleen Kuperman and Jordana Abraham getting caught taking selfies at dinner and giving no bones about it. Naturally.
6. Haylie Duff and Katherine Schwarzenegger cozying up like old besties.
7. Emily Schumann, self-professed technology genius putting her money where her mouth was, by teaching Haylie Duff all about snapping. "It's cute when I use the slow filter on my daughter," she said-- to which, everyone cooed. Because it's cute as hell. And as of tonight, Haylie Duff has a Snapchat.
8. Tina Craig admitting that earlier in the day she chopped off her own hair in her hotel room. For real. The Bag Snob took a pair of Japanese scissors and snipped off more than an inch.
7 Ways to Make the Most of Your Create & Cultivate Break
You come to be inspired, get that know-how, drink some killer cocktails, and make new friends. But the breaks are equally as amazing as the panels.
We can't believe that C & C Dallas is right around the corner. Last week we shared what we'd be bringing in our bag for the day, and today we're detailing how to make the most of the breaks in the day.
You come to be inspired, get that know-how, drink some killer cocktails, and make new friends. But the breaks are equally as amazing as the panels. From getting a makeup touchup to learning how to flat lay, be sure to check out these popups when onsite.
1. Snag an amazing IG moment in front of our big Dallas sign using #CreateCultivateDallas. We regram our favorites.
2. Bar III popup is hosting a Flat Lay Tutorial with Lauryn Evarts of The Skinny Confidential. If you've always wondered how to create this indispensable marketing tool, grab a drink and head over.
3. Stop by the Jergens Bar Rehydration Session with *we can't tell you quite yet,*but it's good, and oh-so-hydrating because you can't survive on coffee and cocktails.
4. There's a ribbon art installation that can't be missed. It's another Instagrammable photo opportunity that we'll be regramming.
5. We've got the exclusive! Who What Wear is giving you a peak at their new line with Target. Check out their lounge and be ready to oogle and aahhh this much awaited collection before it's available to shop at Target January 31st.
6. Look your best the whole day long. There are hair and makeup touch ups in the Beauty Lounge with beGlammed, Matrix, Fromm Beauty.
7. The Vaseline popup will live sketching with Katie Rodgers of Paper Fashion.
And when the day is over, join your fellow attendees for a celebratory cocktail, a snap in the Photo Booth, and grab an amazing gift bag before you head home to put into practice everything you've learned. Only t-minus 8 days 'til the big day!
How to Pull Off Day to Night with 4 Key Pieces
How to take your look from boss to babe status.
All you need to easily transition from the office to out is a few key pieces. With a little help from Bebe, the company that's been dressing go-get-em-girls since 1976, it's as simple as swapping your jacket and shoes.
DAY: FROM THE OFFICE TO A LUNCH DATE AND BACK TO THE EMAIL GRIND AGAIN.
The dress is your base. Add a vintage jean jacket, a statement necklace, flat black boots (and optional: tights) and you're daytime ready.
Dotted Stripe Sweater Dress. $139. ; Hana Colorblock Tote. $119.
TO NIGHT: OUT FOR HAPPY HOUR, DINNER WITH FRIENDS, OR DANCING FRIDAY NIGHT AWAY.
Swap the denim for faux leather and the flats for heeled booties. It's a change you can make in your car. Add a red lip and a little cheek highlighter and it's a brand new look.
Dotted Stripe Sweater Dress. $139. ; Hana Colorblock Tote. $119. ; Acheline Pointy Booties, $139.
;Julia Faux Leather Jacket, $149.
And for everyone heading to Dallas for Create & Cultivate, be sure to come to Breakfast with Bebe. We're less than two weeks away!
The Conference Essentials: What's In Our Bag?
Preparing for Dallas? We can help.
It’s almost here! Create & Cultivate Dallas is going to be our biggest conference yet. If you’re prepping for the big day we wanted to share a sneak peak of what we bring— in case you need a little packing help.
Shoulder Bag/Backpack.
Make sure the purse you bring is big enough to hold your goods, but won’t weigh you down. Accounts Director Hope Evans says, “A cumbersome bag can actually get in your way more than you think. C & C is half listening half networking— and when you’re networking you want to be carrying something you don’t have to think about or track. The focus should be on relationship building, not lugging something to-and-fro.”
Vaseline Lip Therapy Tins.
It’s dry in Dallas in the winter and first impressions are crucial. A chapped lip is not your best look. The innovative and iconic Vaseline Lip Therapy Tins not only give you a natural, glossy shine, but also are clinically proven to help heal dry lips and give you moisture that lasts the day long. And C & C is a long day. Even C & C Founder Jaclyn Johnson makes sure to keep one in each of her handbags and at her desk.
Notebook.
There’s so much to do, see, and write-down. From scribbling down quotes from keynote speakers to sound biz advice, the notebook you take home might be chock-full of points that can take your brand to the next level. “You might think, ‘Oh, I’ll remember that,’” says Editorial Director Arianna Schioldager, “but there is so much good content, you should write down exactly what strikes you in a moment,.” (Pens are important too.)
iPhone + Charger.
Social Director Priscilla Castro says, “This is not the time to forget your phone or run out of battery, and while you might think this never happens, it does. Double check your bag before you leave your hotel.” From adding new contacts to all the IG gold— like a sketch done by Paper Fashion’s Katie Rodgers at the Vaseline pop-up during the 4:30-5:30 break. And be sure to #creatcultivatedallas #VaselineLipTins
Instant Film Camera.
Everyone loves those little photos. Plus, if you meet someone you like, snap a shot, and write your number and email on the back. Not only will they go home with a snapped memory, but it’s like a personalized business card.
Create & Cultivate: Looking Back, Looking Ahead
December is like the Friday of months. Everyone's brain goes on a bit of a vacation, or on a nostalgic walk through the last year. It happens to the best of us-- the holidays tend to bring out the dreamer.
It's even happening around the Create & Cultivate office. In part because we've always got C & C on the brain, and the conversations that happen on site at the conferences keep up invigorated year-round. But also because prepping for Dallas is making us a wee bit nostalgic for our favorite moments of 2015.
So, raise a glass, put on your female alpha hat, and toast to an amazing last year and an even better 2016.
there's room at the top for everyone; it's harder to get there all by yourself.
Merry Christmas from everyone at Create & Cultivate!
Spend the Night: C & C Has a Guest Bedroom You'll Want to Stay In
Seinfeld Apartment has nothing on Create & Cultivate's guest bedroom.
It's not every office that has a guest bedroom. Sure, some offices have break rooms and play areas. Like the Google office-- which insists that its employees having fun at work. But office dynamics have changed. Gone are the days (or so we hope for you) of drab little cubicles.
"We want the office to feel comfortable," says Jaclyn Johnson, Founder and CEO (and tenant of a pretty boss office herself). "We have so many people coming in and out from out of town, some who crash here, others who need a brief respite, and it's wonderful that they can wake up here, feel inspired, and walk downstairs and have morning coffee with the crew."
It's a logic that follows the flow of Create & Cultivate's mission: to be an inclusive, enterprising, and empowering space for all, especially those trail blazing female entrepreneurs.
To make this space a reality, Veronica Valencia of The Design Hunters opted for a blend of smaller LA-based companies.
"It's not the most standard," says Veronica, "to be asked to design a bedroom in an office, but that's the magic of Create & Cultivate. There's nothing standard about it."
Accounts Director Hope Evans says, "It's like having a sense of familiarity in your office. So when we work long hours and burn the midnight oil-- even if we aren't napping-- it still feels like home. And C & C is like family, so it make sense."
Companies like Fragments Identity, heralded by 28+ year design veteran Tammy Price, Venice-based luxury bedding co. Parachute Home, Framebridge, and Artfully Walls, deck out the space.
Veronica says, "We wanted the guest room to feel cool and calm. You can never go wrong with white bedding.... especially in a concrete loft. It really brightened up such an industrial space! The white bedding, and mix of bold art work and rustic side tables, worked well together and gave off such good Cali vibes. Perfect for out of town guests!"
Click through the above photos to take a little tour and check out some of the products used below.
Fragments Identity: Mali Indigo Blues Pillow, Black and White Natural Mud Cloth Pillow, and throw.
Parachute Home: Percale Venice Set.
Framebridge & Artfully Walls: Veronica teamed up the two again in the guest bedroom. Watery Bliss in Irvine Slim White Custom Frame.
Photos courtesy of Ala Cortez.